New Delhi: A day after the government's decision to bring the Prime Minister within the ambit of the proposed Lok Pal, two former Premiers on June 29 opposed the move saying the highest executive needed to be protected against "irresponsible" allegations.

"The highest executive of the country deserves some protection - protection against irresponsible allegations and downing the image of the highest executive," former Prime Minister I K Gujral said.

Another former Premier V P Singh also told NDTV that the credibility and utility of the ombudsman comes into doubt as unanimous recommendations of Parliamentary Committee have been rejected by the government in one sentence.

The Lok Pal Bill seeking to check corruption in high places and bringing within its purview the Prime Minister was approved by the Union Cabinet on June 28 with plans to get it passed in the ensuing monsoon session of Parliament.

The Cabinet gave the nod after rejecting a suggestion of the National Commission to Review the Constitution headed by Justice M N Venkatachaliah that the Prime Minister be kept out of the ombudsman's purview.

PTI